School: Cullahill (C.), Rathdowwney (roll number 13137)
- Location:
- Cullahill, Co. Laois
- Teacher: Mrs Baird
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0830, Page 339
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On this page
- (continued from previous page)people respond very reverently.
"On 'Hallow 'een' every family of this district play a lot of games, such as "Snap Apple," Diving for apples" and many others.
On 'Saint Stephen's' day, the local boys go around in procession from door to door, singing ballads for pennies. As they go from door to door, they say.
"The wren, the wren the king of all birds
On Stephen's Day he was caught in the furze
Up with the kettle, and down with the pan,
Give us a penny or two, to bury the wren."
Many other verses follow, and sometimes some music and singing.
The pagans in Ireland long ago must have originated these customs. It is hard to say, but however obscure the origin of these customs is, let us hope that the blessing first asked by the Saint, who gave them recognition, is still bestowed on those who are faithful in invoking them.
- Collector
- Nora Kenny
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Raheenleagh, Co. Laois
- Informant
- Mrs Kenny
- Gender
- Female
- Address
- Raheenleagh, Co. Laois
